There are seven sizes in this set of hand crafted wooden picot gauges: 1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 1/2" and 7/8". The mahogany wood is sanded smooth to protect the thread. Gauges ship in a hinged, reusable metal container. Any questions? AKTATTER@aol.com.

$6.00 per set plus $2.35 postage US first class mail (as of Jan. 2010) Please email for postage rates on multiple sets or international mail. Paypal preferred, personal check or US$ money order also accepted.

Picot gauges in stock May 23, 2010.

The picot gauge is a measuring device used while tatting to insure picots of an exact size, graduated in size as an additional design element, or of a certain length for the purposes of construction, i.e., joining. The picot gauge is held in either of two ways; vertical or horizontal while the tatting is accomplished.

Vertical

The gauge is placed next to the completed double stitch and the working thread, i.e., that which goes around the left hand is lifted over the gauge. The gauge at this point is completely vertical. It is at a 90 degree angle to the line of tatting and/or the left forefinger.

The width of the object used as a gauge physically stops the next half stitch and holds it in place while the second half stitch is formed. The gauge is then removed. The completed double stitch then slides over next to the previous one and the measured picot is formed. The gauge will need to be removed after each picot when held vertically.

Horizontal

The gauge is placed next to the completed double stitch and the working thread, i.e., that which goes around the left hand is lifted over the gauge. The gauge at this point is completely horizontal. It is parallel to the line of tatting and/or the left forefinger.

The width of the object used as a gauge physically stops the next half stitch and holds it in place while the second half stitch is formed. The gauge may be held in place while tatting continues. The following double stitches are made normally. The working thread will be behind the gauge. When the next picot is needed, again lift the working thread over the gauge and form the half stitches. In this manner, a number of picots can be placed on the gauge and remain there until the ring or chain is ready to be closed or tightened.